Kevin Scott has been a theory and practicum instructor for the Medical Device Reprocessing Technician (MDRT) Certificate program at VCC for 17 years. Here he shares what keeps him in the classroom and lab.
What sparked your desire to become an MDRT instructor for VCC? I graduated from the VCC MDRT program in 1992, and after working at St. Paul’s Hospital for several years, VCC offered me an opportunity to become an instructor for the MDRT program. I thought it would be an exciting and a new venture in my professional career.
What do you love about teaching? I love meeting new people each term. Students come from a variety of cultures and age groups, and I enjoy the diversity. It is exciting and rewarding to see my students progress throughout the course to become Medical Device Reprocessing Technicians.
Can you share an interesting thing (or two) about your journey to reach this moment? A few things that have been interesting throughout my teaching career are the changes and advancements in the technology used in MDR Departments. As well, it was very rewarding to enhance my professional teaching skills by completing the VCC Provincial Instructors Diploma Program (PIDP). Taking the PIDP also gave me the opportunity to become the Contributing Author for the new MDRT textbook and program in 2017.
Why are MDR Technicians so important to the functioning of the greater healthcare system? The Medical Device Reprocessing Department is known as the heart of the hospital. We provide quality services to all the floors, wards and speciality clinics, with our main customer being the Operating Rooms. Without MDR technicians, the hospital could not function.
What exactly is the role of a MDR Technician? Every day we focus on patient safety by ensuring that all reusable surgical instruments and patient care equipment is clean, in good working condition, and sterilized. Although we do not work directly with patients, their safety starts in the MDR department. We always go home feeling proud of the work we have done.
What is your best piece advice for someone starting out in this industry? Although it is hard work, it is also very rewarding. Be prepared for continuously learning as medical devices and technology is constantly changing.
How are the employment prospects for this career? The employment prospects in MDR are very good and continue to stay this way due to an on-going increase in annual surgeries, and the expansion and renovations of local hospitals.
